HRNSW Chief Executive announces departure

HRNSW Chief Executive Mr Sam Nati last night advised the Board of his intention to leave the position effective Friday 22 August 2014.

Mr Nati, who has been Chief Executive since September 2009, is departing HRNSW to accept a consultancy role.

To ensure the best possible transition for the organisation, taking into consideration the large number of projects currently in progress, Mr Nati has agreed to an extended notice period.

The process to find his successor will commence shortly.

"There's no such thing as a perfect ending or the right moment to leave, just an innate sense that it's time to do something new," Mr Nati said.

"It was indeed an immense honour to be chartered with the responsibility of managing this business and for that I thank Mr Horne, Mr Campbell and the respective HRNSW Board Members, past and present, for their ultimate support.

"Life is shaped by our experiences and with that I'm looking forward to the next phase of my life."

"Naturally we're disappointed by Mr Nati's decision, but we respect and understand his reasons for wanting to pursue other interests.

"Mr Nati always had the wellbeing of harness racing at heart and has overseen significant structural reform in a number of key areas including integrity and infrastructure.

"He was particularly passionate about stimulating the grass roots sector of the sport especially around the smaller clubs and initiated a major expansion of the Breeders Challenge and the Carnival of Cups.

"Most importantly he leaves HRNSW in a strong financial position, both in terms of our balance sheet and four consecutive budget surpluses.

"On behalf of the Board I wish him the best with his future endeavours."